Move to Bullpen Angers McDowell

Jack McDowell is not a happy former Cy Young Award winner and said so Sunday.

“I disagree with the decision, I’m not happy, but what are you going to do?” McDowell said of Cleveland Manager Mike Hargrove’s decision to demote him to the bullpen.

“I don’t believe this is right, even if it works,” McDowell said. “If they think I’m being a drag on this team, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Hargrove made the move Saturday, a day after McDowell gave up six earned runs in four innings in a 10-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. That put McDowell 0-2 with a 12.51 earned-run average. He has given up 19 earned runs and 28 hits in 13 2/3 innings.

“I don’t expect Jack to be happy,” Hargrove said. “He’s a great competitor and wants to pitch.

“It isn’t a decision I like, either. But we don’t have the luxury of keeping Jack in the rotation right now.”

McDowell signed a two-year contract with Cleveland as a free agent after the 1995 season.

“This isn’t about stuff, believe me,” McDowell said. “This isn’t about adding another pitch. If it was, I’d say it. My stuff is fine.

“They want me to get more people out. Well, that’s the general idea. I don’t know how you do that on the sidelines or in the bullpen.”

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Texas activated outfielder Warren Newson from the 15-day disabled list and assigned infielder Dave Silvestri to Triple-A Oklahoma City. . . . Brewer third baseman Jeff Cirillo missed Sunday’s game at Cleveland because of the flu.